He does not perceive things from a negative angle
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Ex-Vice President Jusuf Kalla believes that Kompas Gramedia cofounder Jakob Oetama, who died at 88, is Indonesia's press figure, who always held a positive perception of things for the sake of the nation's development.

"He does not perceive things from a negative angle," Kalla told journalists after leading a state funeral procession of this outstanding journalist of the country at the National Heroes' Cemetery in Kalibata, South Jakarta, on Thursday.

Kalla emphasized that the young breed of Indonesian journalists should strive to emulate the good character traits of Oetama as their ideal role model.

Oetama earned his bachelor’s degree in social and political sciences from the Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University (UGM). He was also a member of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) during the period between 1971 and 1977.

Moreover, Oetama was a recipient of the Bintang Mahaputra medal from the Indonesian Government and the honorary doctorates from UGM and Sebelas Maret University (UNS).

He was laid to rest with military honors at the heroes' cemetery. His grave is located at Block AA Number 339, according to Omat, one of the seven gravediggers involved in digging and preparing his grave.

At an event to pay last respects to Jakob Oetama, the late figure's son, Irwan, thanked the state for awarding his father the Bintang Mahaputra medal in 1973 for his contribution to the state and nation as a press figure and an MPR member.

"We thank the government for awarding our father the Bintang Mahaputra medal and was hence buried at the National Heroes' Cemetery," he stated.

Born in Jowahan Village near Borobudur Temple in Magelang District, Central Java, on Sept 27, 1931, Oetama has bequeathed a journalism legacy for the nation.

He is widely known as the co-founder of Kompas and the Jakarta Post, Indonesia's two powerful media outlets.

Oetama passed away on Wednesday at 1:05 p.m. local time after being hospitalized for several days at the Mitra Keluarga Hospital, Kelapa Gading, Jakarta.

Oetama is survived by his wife and five children.

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Translator: M. Zulfikar, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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